Spievey, 24, is facing charges of third-degree assault, risk of injury to a child and disorderly conduct for a domestic violence incident March 27 in a Dove Lane home. His girlfriend, 26-year-old Lisamarie Santos, was also charged with risk of injury and disorderly conduct for her alleged involvement in the dispute. The couple had argued about child support and are accused of pushing each other, according to police.

With a humble expression and his head turned down, Spievey listened as Judge Shelley Marcus agreed to the program, which will allow Spievey to attend counseling out of state in lieu of classes because of his job.

A residential stay-away order is in effect until the end of the program, which prohibits Spievey to return to the Dove Lane home, and he was asked to submit a new address to the clerk's office before leaving court on Thursday as well as paying a program application fee.

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The state said Santos, the victim in the case, has no objection to the program, and the state will monitor Spievey's progress in the program.

Spievey is due back in court on June 28. If he successfully completes his counseling sessions by then, all charges against him will be dismissed. He must obey all federal and state laws and cannot get arrested again or the program will be voided.

Spievey has played three seasons with the Lions, compiling 142 tackles and five interceptions. He missed most of last season after a concussion in October. Spievey agreed to a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions in March. The Lions' offseason workout program begins on Monday.